‘Stay In Your Constituencies’: Ajit Pawar Pulls Up NCP MLAs Ahead Of Local Body Polls | Politics News

Ajit Pawar emphasised that with the local self-government elections — including municipal corporations and zilla parishads — approaching, every MLA must focus entirely on local-level preparations. (PTI File)

With the Supreme Court directing the state government to hold long-pending local body elections in Maharashtra, political activity has intensified across parties. Against this backdrop, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP – Ajit Pawar faction) chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has issued a strong directive to his party’s MLAs: “stay in your constituencies, strengthen the organisation, and don’t depend on anyone else.”

During a regular party meeting held late Tuesday night at Mumbai’s Trident Hotel, Ajit Pawar reportedly expressed displeasure over several MLAs and district in-charges (“sampark mantris”) not taking ground-level responsibilities seriously. According to sources present at the meeting, Pawar told the legislators, “Half of our ministers and MLAs who are Sampark Mantri are not visiting their assigned districts. Don’t rely on others or spend unnecessary time in Mumbai. Go to your constituencies, work with the people, and show the party’s strength.”

Ajit Pawar emphasised that with the local self-government elections — including municipal corporations and zilla parishads — approaching, every MLA must focus entirely on local-level preparations. He warned against complacency, reminding them that the party’s organisational base will be tested in these polls, which are crucial for asserting the NCP’s independent identity within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

While reiterating his commitment to the alliance, Pawar also made it clear that the NCP will take decisions based on ground realities in each district. “We are part of the Mahayuti, but that doesn’t mean we wait for others. Be ready to fight on your own strength,” he reportedly told the legislators.

The NCP meeting, which lasted several hours, reviewed constituency-level reports and upcoming poll strategies. Pawar directed all MLAs to remain in constant touch with local workers and voters and avoid over-dependence on alliance partners.

The Supreme Court’s recent order to expedite the conduct of local body elections has set off political preparations across Maharashtra. For the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), these polls will serve as a litmus test — not only of organisational readiness but also of Ajit Pawar’s leadership within the broader Mahayuti framework.